Category: Hebrews

Harden Not Your Hearts – Part 1

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Hebrews 3:7-8 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost said, To day if you will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness 

‘Wherefore’ – For this reason – because there is a danger of failing to hold fast the hope of eternal life unto the end (3:6), the Holy Spirit here warns Christians – not sinners – to take heed, seeing to it that they do not fail God as many in Israel did and were cut off (3:7-14).

‘To day if you will hear his voice …’ This is the 11th Old Testament prophecy in Hebrews (3:7-8; Ps. 95:7-11) and it is fulfilled. These words were originally a warning to Israel not to provoke God, lest they be excluded from the rest He had promised them. Paul quoted the words as a warning to Christians who could, through temptation and sin, fail to receive the eternal rest promised to them.

Twenty-two warnings to Christians: We ought to give the more earnest heed lest we slip away from the truth (2:1). How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation? (2:3). Whose house are we, if we hold fast the hope firm unto the end (3:6). Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the Living God (3:12). Exhort one another daily … lest any of you be hardened through sin (3:13). We are made partakers of Christ if we hold steadfast unto the end (3:14). Let us, therefore, fear, lest you come short of the promised rest (4:1-2).

To be continued…

Rejoicing of the Hope – Part 2

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Hebrews 3:6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. 

‘Confidence’ (continues) – From Psalms 66:18 we see that if we regard iniquity in our hearts, the Lord will not hear us. Iniquity in the heart is the reason for many unanswered prayers. The writer says, If I had seen iniquity in my heart and encouraged it; if I had pretended to be what I was not; and if I had loved iniquity while I professed to pray and be sorry for my sin, the Lord would not have heard me. I would have been left without His help and support in my time of trouble.

‘Hope’ – The hope here is that of eternal life. Unforfeitable eternal life is now a hope. Hope that is seen is not hope (Rom. 8:24-25). How can it be a hope and a present possession, as stated in John 3:16, 36; 5:24; 10:28-29? Why do we yet hope for it if we have it, as stated in Titus 1:2; 3:7 and 1Timothy 1:1? The simple truth is that it is now given to everyone who is in Christ on condition of remaining in Him (1Jn. 5:11-12; John 15:1-8; Gal. 1:6-8; 4:19; 5:4; etc.).

‘Firm’ [Greek: bebaios] firm (3:6); stedfast (2:2; 3:14; 6:19; 2Cor. 1:7); sure (Rom. 4:16; 2Pet. 1:10, 1:19); and of force (9:17)..

‘End’ – Five things we must do to the end: Endure to the end to be saved (Matt. 10:22; 24:13; Mark 13:13). Hold fast the hope of eternal life to the end (3:6). Hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end (3:14). Show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope to the end (6:11). Overcome and keep Christ’s works to the end (Rev. 2:26).

Rejoicing of the Hope – Part 1

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Hebrews 3:6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. 

‘Whose house are we.’ This is Paul’s explanation of what he means by Christ’s house which He is building. We are that house – if we meet the condition of being a member of it, and “if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.”

‘Hold fast’ [Greek: katecho] hold fast (3:6; 10:23; 1Thess. 5:21); withhold (2Thess. 2:6); hold (3:14; Rom. 1:18; 7:6); retain (Phm. 1:13); stay (Luke 4:42); let (2Thess. 2:7); keep (Luke 8:15; 1Cor. 11:2); keep in memory (1Cor. 15:2); take (Luke 14:9); seize on (Matt. 21:38); possess (1Cor. 7:30); and make toward (Acts 27:40).

‘Confidence’ – Liberty in prayer [Greek: parrhesia] freedom of speech; liberty of access to God. Translated: Boldness of speech (2Cor. 7:4). Plainness of speech (2Cor. 3:12). Freely (Acts 2:29). Openly (Mark 8:32; John 7:4, 13; 11:54; 18:20; Col. 2:15). Boldly (John 7:26; Eph. 6:19; Heb. 4:16). Boldness (Acts 4:13, 29, 31; Eph. 3:12; Php. 1:20; 1Tim. 3:13; Heb. 10:19; 1Jn. 4:17). Confidence (3:6; 10:35; Acts 28:31; 1Jn. 2:28; 3:21; 5:14) Here it refers to absolute confidence of access to God because all sins which separated from God are removed (Isa. 59:1-2). In Old Testament days men were not permitted to approach God. Even the mountain on which God gave the law was not to be touched by man or beast. Only the high priest was permitted in the holy of holies once a year, and even then he could not approach God without proper atonement. Now we all have free and daily access to God by the blood of Jesus (10:19-23; Eph. 2:18). We are invited to come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain help in time of need (4:14-16). As long as we hold fast to this liberty of access to God we are His house (3:6). If sin is in the life we do not and cannot have this liberty of access. God will not hear our prayers (1Jn. 3:20-23; 5:14-15).

To be continued…

More Glory than Moses

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Hebrews 3:1b-5 …Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who has built the house had more honour than the house. For every house is built by some man; but he that built all things is God. And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after

‘In all his house.’ The house of Moses means the nation of Israel and the house of Christ refers to Christians (2:9-13; 3:6). Moses was not an ordinary prophet, but much more (cp. Deut. 18:18-19): He was a servant over God’s house (Num. 12:7; Heb. 3:1-6). Israel is called God’s house in the same sense as the New Testament congregations (Gal. 6:10; Eph. 2:19; 1Tim. 3:15; Heb. 3:6; 10:21; 1Pet. 2:5; 4:17). He spoke with God “mouth to mouth” (Num. 12:8). God and Moses actually saw each other and spoke face to face with audible voices (Ex. 33:11; Num. 14:14; Deut. 5:4; 34:10; cp. Jos. 6:22; 2Jn. 1:12). He saw God’s actual spirit [heavenly] body (Num. 12:8; Ex. 24:9-11; 33:11, 18-23).

‘More glory than Moses.’ Christ is better than Moses: He has a heavenly calling (3:1). He is the Apostle of our profession (3:1). High Priest of our profession (3:1). Christ is building His own house, consisting of Christian congregations (3:6), but Moses did not build his house, Israel (3:3). Christ as God created all things (3:4; 1:2; Eph. 3:9; Col. 1:15-18). Christ is a son over His house, not a servant as Moses was (3:5-6). Moses predicted Christ would be better than himself (3:5; Deut. 18:15-19).

‘For a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after.’ The law of Moses and some of his prophecies testified and typified the sufferings of Christ and other gospel truths, which were to be spoken later when the Messiah should come (Matt. 5:17; 11:13; Luke 16:16; 24:25-27, 44-46).

Partakers of the Heavenly Calling

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Hebrews 3:1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus

‘Holy brethren’ – Brethren consecrated to God, holy in life and conduct. They who are sanctified or thus consecrated and set apart to the service of God, are all one, in the same family, and called brethren [male and female Gal. 3:28]. All saved people are saints, so there are no grounds for making people saints after death (Acts 9:13, 32, 41; 26:10; Rom. 1:7; 1Cor. 1:2; 6:1-2; 2Cor. 1:1; Eph. 1:1; Php. 1:1; Col. 1:2; 2Thess. 1:10; Jude 1:3; Rev. 5:8; 13:7, 10; 17:6).

‘Partakers of the heavenly calling.’ [Greek: metochos] partaker (3:1, 14; 6:4; 12:8); partner (Luke 5:7); and fellow (1:9). All holy brethren are partakers, partners, and fellows in the heavenly calling. Israel had an earthly calling and those who are alive when the Messiah comes will enter an earthly program of replenishing the earth forever. Israel is often spoken of as a woman and as the wife of the Lord (Isa. 54:4-6). This wife of the Lord is the woman of Revelation 12:1-17. Those of both Jews and Gentiles [male and female] who are saved and who will partake of the resurrection will be kings and priests to reign over the earth and all other creations forever. They will help God administer the affairs of the universe in all eternity (Rev. 1:5-6; 5:10; 22:4-5). Their calling is heavenly in that they will not be limited to an earthly program as all people would have been if man had not sinned (Gen. 1:27-31; cp. Matt. 22:30; Luke 20:34-35; Heb. 11:10-16; 12:22-23).

‘The Apostle and High Priest.’ Among the Jews, the high priest was also considered the Apostle of God. This no doubt is the meaning here to Israel. The Mosaic program had ended and there had been a change in the law and the priesthood (7:11-17).

‘Profession’ [Greek: homologia] agreement; terms of surrender; confession. Translated “profession” (3:1; 4:14; 10:23; 1Tim. 6:12; 2Cor. 9:13) and “confession” (1Tim. 6:13).

The Nature of Angels

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Hebrews 2:16-18 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself had suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. 

‘For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.’ Here Paul sums up his argument about Christ being better than angels, declaring He did not take on the nature of angels, but became the natural seed of Abraham. He needed to be made in all things like unto His brethren “that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest” in the things of God, to remit their sins by His own atonement, and to represent them in time of temptation (2:17-18). Thus, Paul shows the Jews that Christ had to be made a human being; that He came from Abraham according to the flesh; that He was one of their own people; that redemption could not have been possible otherwise; that the Messiah had to suffer to redeem; and that He is now able to help and deliver all men who are tempted.

‘Nature of angels’ – They are heavenly spirit beings with (1) Personal spirit bodies with bodily parts, such as hands, feet, eyes, heads, voices, mouths, hair, faces, and other parts which men have (Gen. 18:2, 4, 8; 19:1-22; Jdg. 13:6). (2)  Personal souls with emotions (Luke 15:1-10), passions (Gen. 6:1-4; Jude 1:6-7); appetites (Gen. 18:8; 19:3); anger (Rev. 12:12); enmity (Gen. 3:15); lusts (John 8:44); vengeance (1Pet. 5:8); desires (1Pet. 1:12); pride (Ezek. 28:17; 1Tim. 3:6); and other soul passions, feelings, and desires. (3) Personal spirits with intelligence and wisdom (2Sam. 14:20; 19:27; Matt. 24:36; Eph. 3:10); patience (Num. 22:22-35); meekness (2Pet. 2:11; Jude 1:9); modesty (1Cor. 11:10); holiness (Mark 8:38); obedience (Ps. 103:20; Matt. 6:10); knowledge (Mark 13:32; 1Pet. 1:12); willpower (Isa. 14:12-14); ability to speak languages (1Cor. 13:1); and other spirit faculties.

‘High priest’ – Used of Christ 15 times in Hebrews (2:17; 3:1; 4:14-15; 5:1-10; 6:20; 7:1, 26-27; 8:1, 3; 9:11, 25; 10:21; 13:11).

I will Put My Trust in Him

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Hebrews 2:13-15 And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God had given me. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 

‘I will put my trust in him.’ This is the 9th Old Testament prophecy in Hebrews (2:13; 2Sam. 22:3) and is fulfilled. From 2Samuel 22 and Psalms 18, we have twelve things that God is to His people: Rock (2Sam. 22:2, 3, 29, 31, 32, 33, 40; Ps. 18:2). Fortress. Deliverer. God of my Rock. Shield. The horn of my salvation. High tower. Refuge. Saviour. Lamp. Buckler. Strength.

‘Behold I and the children which God had given me.’ This is the 10th Old Testament prophecy in Hebrews (2:13; Isa. 8:18) that is fulfilled.

‘Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.’ Seeing that those whom He represents are flesh and blood, it was necessary for Him also to become flesh and blood that He might be capable of dying in their place, by this act of destroying satan and annulling his power of death over mankind.

‘And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.’ This refers to the deliverance of all righteous souls from the captivity of satan and their prison in the lower parts of the earth. Christ descended first into hell (Ps. 16:10; Acts 2:27), in the lower parts of the earth (Eph. 4:8-10; Matt. 12:40), then captured the righteous souls from satan, leading them captive to heaven when He ascended on high as referred to in Ephesians 4:8-10. This fulfilled Psalm 68:18. Before this, all righteous souls went into hades or sheol, along with the souls of the wicked, but in another compartment with a great gulf between them (Luke 16:19-31). Now, the souls of the righteous no longer go into the heart of the earth to be held captive against their will. They go immediately to paradise at physical death to await the resurrection of their bodies (2Cor. 5:8; Php. 1:21-24). The wicked continue to go to the torment compartment of Hades or Sheol and will continue to do so until the end of the Millennium. Then death and Hades will deliver up the wicked souls who will be united with their bodies in the resurrection to be judged and sent to eternal hell (Rev. 20:11-15).

Captain of their Salvation

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Hebrews 2:10-13 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctified and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. 

‘Became him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory.’ It was suitable to divine wisdom and justice and the program of grace to offer Jesus as a sacrifice to bring many sons to glory.

‘Captain of their salvation.’ The Originator of Salvation. Without suffering He could not have died; without dying He could not have made atonement for sin; and without completing His redemptive work He could not have been perfected.

‘Perfect’ [Greek: teleioo] make a full end; complete. The idea is that Christ could not have been made complete or bring to a complete end the work He was supposed to do without His sufferings.

‘For both he that sanctified and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren.’ Christ is the great Sanctifier, who sets apart and consecrates men to the service of God. They who are sanctified or thus consecrated and set apart to the service of God, are all one, in the same family, and called brethren. The brethren are those who represent the body of Christ which is male and therefore called brethren. During Old Testament times the nation Israel was referred to as God’s wife and the representative of God during those dispensations.

‘I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.’ This is the 8th Old Testament prophecy in Hebrews (2:12; Ps. 22:22) and is fulfilled in Christ declaring the Father to His followers – the Christians, also called His brethren. The Old Testament use of congregation is the correct translation instead of using the word “church” which derives from the translations period where King James’ translators changed the word to fit the Roman Catholic Church.

What is Man?

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Hebrews 2:5-9 For unto the angels had he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou are mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visited him? Thou made him a little lower than the angels; thou crowned him with glory and honour, and did set him over the works of thy hands: Thou had put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. 

‘Unto the angels had he not put in subjection the world to come.’ The angels will not be the rulers on earth during the Millennium for they are not God’s children, heirs or co-heirs (Rom. 8:16-17).

‘World to come.’ This refers to the kingdom of the Messiah that wil start with the Millennium that follows the battle of Armageddon at the Second Coming of Christ.

‘What is man, that thou are mindful of Him? or the son of man, that thou visited him.’ This is the 7th Old Testament prophecy in Hebrews (2:6-7; Ps. 8:4-6) and it is unfulfilled but will be fulfilled in the Millennium and New Earth.

‘Did set him over the works of thy hands.’ Including the sun, moon, and stars to rule them (Ps. 8:3-6).

‘Put all things in subjection under his feet.’ The purpose of the first 1,000 years of the eternal reign of Christ is to put all enemies down and rid the earth of all rebellion (1Cor. 15:24-28; Eph. 1:10; Rev. 20:1-15).

‘For the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.’ This is why He was made lower than angels. They are immortal and cannot die (Matt. 22:30). Christ needed to be capable of death so that He might taste death for every man.

How shall We Escape

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Hebrews 2:3-4 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? 

‘How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? … What is man, that thou are mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visits him?’ If those who had fewer privileges were punished for every sin, we who have the greater light in Christ will be punished also for each sin. What a fool’s dream to think there is no moral responsibility on Christians to live right under grace, or that grace does not see their sins if they commit any!

‘Neglect’ [Greek: ameleo] neglect (2:3; 1Tim. 4:14); be negligent (2Pet. 1:12); regard not (Heb. 8:9); and make light of (Matt. 22:5).

‘So great salvation’ – Ten reasons why salvation is great: [1] Its Founder: Christ preached it (2:3). [2] Its price: Death of only begotten Son (John 3:16; Col. 1:20; 1Pet. 2:24). [3] Its scope: (1) Time and eternity (2Cor. 6:2; Isa. 45:17; Heb. 5:9). (2) The Jews and Gentiles (Rom. 1:16). [4] Its benefits: (1) Physical healing (Acts 3:16; 4:9-12; Matt. 8:17; 1Pet. 2:24; Jas. 5:14). (2) Soul salvation (1Pet. 1:9; 2Cor. 7:10; Eph. 1:7; 2:8-9). (3) Deliverances (Ex. 14:13; 1Sam. 14:45; Isa. 33:2). (4) Joy and peace (Ps. 20:5; 51:12; Isa. 12:3; Rom. 5:1-2). (5) Preservation (Isa. 26:1). (6) Daily benefits (Ps. 68:19). [5] Its infinity: it reaches to the greatest depths and the farthest ends to redeem, exalting the redeemed to the highest heavens (Eph. 3:18; Acts 13:47; Ps. 98:3; Isa. 49:6). [6] Its divine source (Ps. 25:5; 37:39). [7] Its confirmation (Heb. 2:3-4; Mark 16:15-20). [8] Its basic requisites: Grace and faith alone (Rom. 3:24-31; Eph. 2:8-9; Tit. 2:11). [9] Its exclusiveness (Acts 4:12). [10] Its utter simplicity of reception (John 3:16; Rom. 1:16; 10:9-10; 1Jn. 1:9).

‘Confirmed unto us by them that heard him.’ Not only was it confirmed then, but it should be likewise confirmed today (Matt. 18:18; 28:20; Mark 16:15-20; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-8; 1Cor. 12:4-11; etc.).

‘Also bearing them witness.’ God also bore witness. He did not leave the confirmation of such great salvation to men alone. He bore witness by: Signs and wonders (Mark 16:15-20; Acts 2:43; 5:16; 10:38; 1Cor. 12:4-31). Various miracles (Acts 2:43; 19:11). Gifts of the Holy Spirit (1Cor. 12:4-11, 28-31; Rom. 1:11; Heb. 2:4). These powers are still for Christians today.